Leva Bonaparte is a name that has become familiar to fans of reality television and the hospitality industry. Born on 3 May 1979 in India, she is now widely known as a successful restaurateur, entrepreneur, and television personality. Her journey from immigrant roots to becoming a respected figure in Charleston, South Carolina, is both inspiring and unique.
She rose to fame through Bravo’s hit reality series Southern Charm, where she joined as a main cast member in 2020. Later, she expanded her presence by producing and starring in Southern Hospitality, a show that highlights her life as a businesswoman managing restaurants and clubs. Beyond television, Leva has built a strong reputation in Charleston’s nightlife scene, co-owning several popular establishments with her husband, Lamar Bonaparte.
Leva Bonaparte BIO, Age, Husband, Net Worth, Family
| Full Name | Leva Nowroozyani Bonaparte |
| Date of Birth | 3 May 1979 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 46 years |
| Birthplace | India |
| Nationality | American (of Persian heritage) |
| Parents | Father: Farhad Nowroozyani; Mother: Not publicly known |
| Siblings | Two sisters, including Dr. Mona Haj (internal medicine specialist) |
| Education | University of Manitoba (Canada); South Carolina State University (USA) |
| Occupation | Restaurateur, Entrepreneur, Reality TV Personality |
| Years Active | 2013–present (hospitality); 2020–present (television) |
| Known For | Bravo’s Southern Charm and Southern Hospitality |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (172 cm) |
| Marital Status | Married to Lamar Bonaparte (since April 2013) |
| Children | One son, Lamar “Little” Bonaparte Jr. (born 2018) |
| Residence | Charleston, South Carolina, USA |
| Restaurants Owned | Republic Garden & Lounge, Bourbon N’ Bubbles, Mesu, Lamar’s Sporting Club |
| Net Worth (2026) | 1-2 million USD (approx) |
| Pets | Two dogs |
| Notable Firsts | First woman of color on Southern Charm |
| @levabonaparte/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Leva_Bonaparte |
| IMDb | @nm10813552/ |
Early Life and Birthday
On 3 May 1979, Leva came to this world as Leva Nowroozyani in India to Persian parents. Her family had left Iran during political unrest and eventually settled in Canada when she was just three years old. Growing up, Leva experienced a multicultural childhood, spending time in Canada, Bolivia, and the United States. This diverse upbringing gave her a global outlook and helped her adapt to different cultures easily.
She is the eldest of three daughters in her family. Her father, Farhad Nowroozyani, and mother raised their children with strong values of hard work and education. Leva’s sister, Dr. Mona Haj, is an internal medicine specialist, showing that the family placed high importance on professional success. These early influences shaped Leva’s personality and prepared her for the challenges she would face later in life.
Physical Appearance and Lifestyle
Leva Bonaparte is known for her striking presence. She stands at 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) tall, with black hair and dark eyes that reflect her Persian heritage. Her elegant style often draws attention on television and at public events.
Beyond appearances, Leva maintains an active lifestyle. She enjoys swimming, travelling, and spending time with her pets. Her love for animals is well-known, as she owns two dogs that often feature in her social media posts. She follows a non-vegetarian diet and embraces a balanced lifestyle that combines work, family, and leisure.
Education and Academic Pursuits
She first studied at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, where she explored her interest in classical piano. However, she later shifted her focus to business studies, realizing her passion for entrepreneurship. She eventually graduated from South Carolina State University in 1999, marking the beginning of her professional career.
Her academic background gave her a strong foundation in management and business operations. While many know her today as a television personality, her success in hospitality is deeply rooted in her education and early work experiences. The combination of creativity from her music background and discipline from her business studies helped her build a career that blends art, culture, and commerce.
Career Beginnings: From Software Sales to Entrepreneurship
Leva Bonaparte’s professional journey started in a very different field than where she is today. After completing her studies, she worked in her parents’ software company from 1999 to 2009. This role gave her valuable experience in sales, management, and client relations. While she was successful in the corporate world, she felt drawn toward a more creative and people-focused career.
Her move to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2003 marked a turning point. She began exploring opportunities in event management and hospitality. This shift was not easy, but Leva’s ability to adapt and her strong business sense helped her transition smoothly. By the late 2000s, she was already building connections in Charleston’s social scene, laying the foundation for her future ventures.
See Also:- Shanoya Douglas (Sprinter)
Rise in the Hospitality Industry
Leva’s biggest professional success came in the hospitality sector. Along with her husband, Lamar Bonaparte, she co-founded Republic Development & Management Group, which manages several restaurants and clubs in Charleston. Their first major project was Republic Garden & Lounge, launched in 2013. This venue quickly became one of the most popular nightlife spots in the city.
Over the years, Leva expanded her portfolio with new establishments: Bourbon N’ Bubbles (2018), Mesu (2019), 1st Place (2020), and Lamar’s Sporting Club (2023). These ventures not only brought financial success but also established Leva as a respected entrepreneur in Charleston. Her ability to understand trends and create spaces that attract diverse crowds has been a key factor in her success.
Television Career: Southern Charm & Southern Hospitality
Leva’s entry into television came through Bravo’s reality series Southern Charm. She appeared as a guest in earlier seasons but officially joined as a main cast member in Season 7 (2020). Her presence was historic, as she became the first woman of color to be featured on the show.
Her strong personality and candid opinions quickly made her a standout figure. In 2022, she took her television career further by producing and starring in Southern Hospitality. This show focuses on her life as a businesswoman managing Republic Garden & Lounge and mentoring young staff members. It gave viewers a closer look at her leadership style and the challenges of running a hospitality empire.
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Leva’s personal life is as inspiring as her career. She met Lamar Bonaparte on her 29th birthday, and the two quickly developed a strong bond. They married in April 2013 and have built both a family and a business empire together. Lamar is also deeply involved in their hospitality ventures, making them a true power couple in Charleston.
The couple welcomed their son, Lamar “Little” Bonaparte Jr., in 2018. Leva often shares moments of her family life on social media, showing her role as a loving mother alongside her busy professional schedule. Despite her demanding career, she prioritizes family time and enjoys raising her son in Charleston, where they have lived since 2003.
Net Worth and Business Empire
Leva’s financial success is closely tied to her hospitality ventures and television career. Together with her husband, she owns multiple restaurants and clubs in Charleston, which generate steady income. Her role as a reality TV star has further boosted her earnings and visibility.
As of 2026, her estimated net worth is around 1-2 million USD (approx). This wealth comes not only from her restaurants but also from brand collaborations, media appearances, and her executive producer role in Southern Hospitality. Her ability to diversify her income sources shows her sharp business sense and long-term vision.
Interesting Facts About Leva Bonaparte
- She was born in India to Persian parents who fled Iran.
- She grew up in Canada, Bolivia, and the United States, giving her a multicultural background.
- She studied classical piano before shifting to business studies.
- She co-owns several restaurants with her husband in Charleston.
- She is the first woman of color to join Southern Charm.
- She is an animal lover and owns two pet dogs.
- She met her husband Lamar on her 29th birthday.
- She balances her busy career with motherhood, raising her son Lamar Jr.
Read Also:- Cody DaLuz
